The Cadillac Deville nameplate first appeared in 1949 as a premium trim level on the Series 62 before becoming its own model in 1959. It was positioned as Cadillac’s mainstream luxury sedan, sitting below the flagship Fleetwood but offering the same focus on comfort. The early Cadillac Deville models were large, rear-wheel drive and heavily styled, designed primarily for the US market but also exported in small numbers.

By the 1980s the Cadillac Deville had shifted to front-wheel drive in response to fuel economy and space concerns. Generational updates in 1985 and 1994 modernised the car with sharper styling and more technology, though it remained aimed at traditional buyers. In some export markets, including Europe, the Deville was simply sold as the Cadillac Sedan Deville to distinguish it from coupe versions.

The final Cadillac Deville was produced in 2005 before the model line was retired. It was replaced by the Cadillac DTS, which carried over much of its platform and layout. Today the Cadillac Deville is remembered as one of the brand’s longest-running sedans and a symbol of its American luxury identity.